The Uses of Jade

Jade is one of the most unique and popular gemstones in the world. While it is popular and precious in Europe and the United States, it is on a much higher level in popularity and tradition in East Asia, specifically China.

Jade is a very hard mineral stone that is actually name given to two distinct stones. Jadeite and Nephrite are both considered true and traditional Jade. It wasn’t until1863 that Jade was discovered to be created from two distinct stones. These stones are extremely similar to one another and are usually indistinguishable by the naked eye.

Jadeite is the less common form of Jade. It can be in its most valuable state, a deep intense green, called Imperial Jade or can come in colors such as yellow, grey, violet, orange, light green and pink. Nephrite is the more common Jade and thus more affordable type. It is comes in green, as well as white. . The trace element that makes Jade green is chromium.

Jade is mostly used as ornamental jewelry; however it is also used to create practical items such as smoke or snuff boxes sculptures and other every day items. However, the best pieces of Jade are usually reserved as ornamental jewelry.

Jade is extremely popular in the Far East and is mined in Burma or now called Myanmar. It is also found in South America. It is usually found in big masses which are sometimes sold off at auctions in the Far East as large blocks. If you are looking for traditional jewelry or small ornamental cases, definitely look into wonderful Jade.

Jade - The History and Origins

Jade is one of the more traditional gemstones available today. It has had a long history and has been known to man for at least 7,000 years. Jade is extremely popular in Asia, especially in China. It should be noted that Jade is actually to distinct minerals, they are Jadeite and nephrite. It wasn’t until 1863, that these two stones were known to differ, since both stones have a long heritage of being called Jade, they are both accepted as true and traditional Jade.

Jade comes in many colors, while a dark imperial green is the most popular and valuable, Jade comes in either lighter greens, white, pink and even orange. Jadeite is mainly known for its many colors from deep, rich greens to pinks to yellows and oranges. Jadeite is usually the rarer of the two minerals and usually the most costly as well. It can come in a wide range of colors. Nephrite is the more common mineral of the two and this stone comes in either beautiful greens or white. Nephrite is sometimes speckled which is not as popular, however the white Jade is traditionally very popular and costly.

Jade was used for thousands of years, by China, North Africa and Europe as materials for weapons. In China, Jade is called Yu and it was the pride and joy of emperors and the imperial family. Jade is actually tougher than steel is some ways and was used in ancient history as protection or as part of weapons. Jade was also used for religious ceremonies and as ornaments that are closely associated with Chinese culture.